Aussie bushfires makes for spectacular sunset

The smoke from the Australian bushfires likely to be behind a hazy orange tinge in the skies over the North Island.

WeatherWatch.co.nz weather analyst Philip Duncan said a current of air was drifting across the Tasman from eastern and southern Australia.

"Across Saturday we have a nor'west flow drifting in from Australia and although it's coming from north west of us the air mass has moved up from south Australia, bringing with it smoke and dust from the Australian heatwave and bushfires."

Mr Duncan said it was at a high altitude and shouldn't pose any health risks here, but those with allergies or asthma might be affected.

The smoke and pollution will clear New Zealand's skies overnight as a south west change moves up the country tomorrow.

"If you live in the North Island and have clear skies you may have a spectacular sunset tonight," Mr Duncan said.